Learn how to make rope and soap substitute from plants at the free MDC class on October 23rd and 24th

CLINTON, Mo. – The environment around us is full of useful things. Knowing how to turn natural materials into tools is a useful skill for anyone who enjoys being outdoors. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is hosting several sessions of an introductory course on making soap and rope from native plants.

Classes will be held on both Wednesday, October 23rd at the Lost Valley Hatchery and Thursday, October 24th at the MDC Clinton Office from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Registration is required. Participants simply need to register for one of the four available time slots.

In this course, participants will learn how to make rope or rope and how to make a soap substitute from plants. Conservation educator Ginger Miller will explain to the class what characteristics make a plant a good choice for rope. Miller will also show attendees how he transforms plants like dog poison and yucca into functional tools.

“Ropes have been used for hunting, carrying, lifting, fastening, pulling and climbing since prehistoric times,” Miller said. “Come and learn which plants in your area are useful for making rope.”

When time and weather permit, participants will go outside to collect and prepare plant material to take home for future rope making. They should dress to work outside in the tall grass and get their hands dirty.

Wednesday, October 23 at Lost Valley Hatchery

Thursday, October 24 at the MDC office in Clinton

The Lost Valley Hatchery is located on Hatchery Ave. 28232 in Warsaw. MDC’s Clinton office is located at 2010 S 2nd St. in Clinton. If you have any questions, please contact Ginger Miller at [email protected].

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